Aggregates, Pits and Quarries
Aggregates
Aggregate generally include sand, gravel, clay and bedrock. Aggregates are used in the construction of homes, roads, highways, railways, bridges and airports. They are also used to manufacture products like glass, coated paper, paint, fertilizers, health care products and pharmaceuticals.
The terminology that is used in Provincial and Regional planning documents is 'mineral aggregate resource'.
Learn more about aggregate resources in Ontario.
Why aggregates resource planning is important
Mineral aggregate resources are non-renewable natural resources, and must be protected from incompatible land uses or uses that would limit their extraction in the future.
The land use policies in the Regional Official Plan help to ensure that this happens while also ensuring that the surrounding social, environmental and physical surroundings are taken into consideration.
Pits and quarries
Depending on the type of material, these resources are extracted from the ground through a pit or a quarry. Loose material, such as sand and gravel, is extracted from a pit, whereas solid bedrock, such as limestone and granite, is extracted from a quarry.
The terminology used in Provincial and Regional planning documents is a 'mineral aggregate operation'. Mineral aggregate operations also include facilities to transport, process and recycle mineral aggregate resources.
Find pits and quarries in Niagara.
Aggregate Resources Act vs. Planning Act
In Ontario, two major pieces of Provincial legislation inform decisions related to mineral aggregate resources and mineral aggregate operations:
- The Aggregate Resources Act is implemented by the Province and provides the framework for licensing mineral aggregate operations. The operational aspects and rehabilitation of a mineral aggregate operation are addressed through the licensing process.
- The Planning Act is implemented by municipalities and provides the framework for municipal land use approvals through official plans and zoning by-laws. The Aggregate Resources Act requires appropriate municipal land use designations to be in place before granting a licence.
In addition, the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act applies to land within the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area.
Joint Agency Review Team
When there is an application for a new mineral aggregate operation, Niagara Region, the local municipality and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority may form a Joint Agency Review Team to help process the application.
The process recognizes that aggregate applications are complex, that they typically involve multiple review agencies, and that they are required to consider a range of technical issues.
The Joint Agency Review Team includes professional staff from interested agencies who are responsible for coordinating the technical review of all matters related to the application. The streamlined process allows for the sharing of resources and expertise while maintaining the independent decision-making authority of each agency.
Current applications
For current pit or quarry applications which have been submitted to the Region and will require a Regional Official Plan Amendment, see the Regional Official Plan Amendments.
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